This semester in college, I had to complete a service learning project. Through this process, I had the opportunity to learn more about an organization that I had donated to previously. This organization is called New Eyes for the Needy and provides glasses to people who would otherwise not be able to afford them. New Eyes gives glasses to both people in the U.S. and abroad.
What is New Eyes?
New Eyes was founded by Julia Lawrence Terry in 1932. She came up with the idea while working as a volunteer for the Red Cross during the Depression. Her idea turned into New Eyes for the Needy and would go on to help people across the globe.
My Personal Connection:
I have a personal connection to this concept. After my concussion, I had severe problems with my vision. There were entire months that I had to spend lying down because my eyes were so bad. My sight made me dizzy, it was blurry, even with my glasses on, and I feared I would loose my vision. This effected my ability to do my school work, I could not drive and it felt like my world was spinning. It was through this experience that I learned to value my vision and appreciate it every day.
The Interview:
I had the chance to interview Sally Golding from New Eyes. She answered some of the questions I had, so I could learn more about the organization. I asked Sally how many glasses they collect each year and she said in 2018-2019 they collected “438,083 pairs of glasses” and there are “10 million people in the US [who] need glasses but cannot afford them.” That number shocked me. Just by reading that statistic, I made the decision to donate all of the glasses I outgrow in the future.
I donated all of my old glasses and my family’s old glasses last year. I have been wearing glasses since I was in the 4th grade, so I had a lot piling up in my house. I encourage you to donate your old glasses that might just be sitting at the back of your drawer. They could really help someone and change their life.
Donate to New Eyes
You can donate your old glasses, volunteer your time at the location in New Jersey, or make a monetary donation. You can learn more on their website. Even if you do not live nearby, you could mail your glasses to them and they will take care of the rest!
Why donate?
Fun Fact:
“A boy scout collected 1500 pairs of glasses,” said Sally Golding. Great job! That is an amazing accomplishment. I wonder if you could beat this record?
Thank you for reading. I hope you make a difference in someone’s life today, big or small, it is worth the time. Also, thank you to New Eyes for allowing me to use the pictures in this blog post.
Arianna
Aloha Arianna 